Minnesotans in Congress react to latest Trump comments on Charlottesville

August 15, 2017 at 11:52PM
U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, shown in 2016, said one of the reasons he supported TPP was that it laid out rules and regulations for digital trade.
U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, shown in 2016, said one of the reasons he supported TPP was that it laid out rules and regulations for digital trade. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A handful of Minnesota's members of Congress, including several DFLers and one Republican, tweeted in response to President Trump's comments on Tuesday suggesting that counter-protesters on the left were also responsible for violence that broke out over the weekend at a Virginia rally organized by white supremacists, neo-Nazis and members of the alt-right movement.

U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, Republican: "This is cut-and-dry: White supremacists and neo-Nazis have no place in our society & that should be made unequivocally clear on all levels."

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, DFL: For @realDonaldTrump to use the bully pulpit, not as a force for good, but to serve as an apologist for Nazis is an affront to our values."

"Americans don't just deserve moral leadership from our POTUS, we demand it. @realDonaldTrump's failure to see good from evil is despicable."

"We are the greatest country on earth. I won't & we can't be silent while one man disgraces all that we stand for. We must keep speaking out."

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, DFL: "@realDonaldTrump's defense of the KKK & neo-Nazis is disgusting. I reject this vile comment & all Americans should."

"To my @HouseGOP and @SenateGOP colleagues: it's time for you to join us and condemn @realDonaldTrump's embrace of the KKK and neo-Nazis."

U.S. Sen. Al Franken, DFL: "When someone shows you who they are, you believe them. Trump is again letting white supremacists off the hook for #Charlottesville violence."

"This is not acceptable behavior for any American. This is especially appalling coming from the President of the United States."

Jennifer Brooks • 202-662-7452

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about the writer

Jennifer Brooks

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Jennifer Brooks is a local columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She travels across Minnesota, writing thoughtful and surprising stories about residents and issues.

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